SUN PRAIRIE - The soul of Kenneth "Duane" Burkhamer was received into heaven on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, a blessing and reward for his unselfish life on earth. Duane was born on Aug. 5, 1936, the son of Leonard and Freda (Miller) Burkhamer, in rural Richland County, and grew up one of nine children on a farm, which provided the foundation for his family based life. He met the love of his life, Patricia Shannon. This love produced four children. Their interests together were often centered around those children and their families. Trips to see them often included routes that included casinos. His professional career began as a sales-representative for Fuller Brush, even here the family played an instrumental role as delivery people for his successful sales. He then pursued a position with the Wisconsin Gas Company, until the sales division was dissolved. He then finished his 29 years of service with them as a service technician, retiring in 1995. Duane enjoyed all that God had provided, family, friends and nature. Playing guitar, singing, telling jokes and playing euchre were sources of entertainment for many a gathering. Time spent at the cabin being a part of nature was an experience he enjoyed immensely. He enjoyed children for their clear view of life and treasured the time together with his children and grandchildren. The love he shared with his wife for nearly a half century was exemplified in their final challenge together, lung cancer. Tough times made easier by their love. Duane is survived by his wife, Patricia (Shannon) Burkhamer; his four children, Julie (Kevin) Thompson and their children, Aaron (Bethany), Angela and Breanne, Jeff (Kim) Burkhamer and their children, Kyle and Ryan, Jill (Paul) Krueger and their children, Nathaniel Taylor, Amanda Taylor and Jessica Krueger, Jodi (Rob) Lemmer and their children, Tyler and Travis; his brothers, LaVerne (Lucille), Billy, and Richard (Mary Pat); sister, Sally (Dick) Armstrong; sister-in-law, Virginia (Carl) Bruckner; brother-in-law, Russell (Sally) Shannon; other relatives and friends. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and his wife's parents, Roy and Dorothy Shannon. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2005, at 4 p.m. at BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 300 Broadway, Sun Prairie, with the Rev. Stephen Mueller officiating. Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service. When family left after a visit you could see a tear in Duane's eye but with this final departure we are left with so many wonderful memories. We are assured that we will never have to say goodbye again, he will be by our side forever. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials in Duane's name.

Miss me a little, but not too long. And not with your head bowed low, remember the love that we once shared. Miss me but let me go, for this is a journey, we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to home.

Capital Times, The - (May/26/2005)